How to Do an At-Home COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test Correctly

Please note that not all tests are the same. Read through the instructions included with the test before you begin.
At-home rapid antigen tests are a key in stopping the spread of COVID-19, but it’s important to do them properly. UC Davis Health pediatric nurse Claudio Alvarado shares a step-by-step guide on how to use a common COVID test at home.
What to know about COVID in 2023: health.ucdavis.edu/blog/culti...
More about using rapid COVID-19 tests: health.ucdavis.edu/blog/culti...
When to use a rapid COVID-19 test kit: health.ucdavis.edu/news/headl...
COVID-19 info and updates: health.ucdavis.edu/coronavirus
See the latest news from UC Davis Health: health.ucdavis.edu/newsroom
0:00 What's in the home test kit?
0:35 How to use the nasal collection swab
1:10 How to use the vial and dropper
1:30 How to insert and remove the swab in the vial
2:05 How to use the COVID-19 test card
3:12 What to do if your test is positive
The information in this video was accurate as of the upload date, 2/7/22. For information purposes only. Consult your local medical authority for advice.
#covid19 #coronavirus #hometest #omicron #ucdavis

[@peggys121]

Thank you! When we don’t feel well, processing directions isn’t always easy.

[@upeasterner]

I despaired when I opened the test kit...the directions were awful. Thank you so much for this!

[@rayselby3487]

Sue here: I know. I would rather read the Bible.

[@Alyssa-cv1bd]

I thought it was only me 🤦🏻‍♀️ I’m still tryna figure it out

[@e.private5224]

They were awful

[@theire483]

Yes they are

[@priscillasmith9568]

Mine had NO instructions

[@lilylopez7590]

Thank you for taking the time to teach us. Fast & easy instructions. And thank you for all you do to help keep us safe & healthy.

[@jaysee27]

This was the best tutorial I've found online. The written instructions that come with the kit are somewhat confusing; I ended up wasting one of the kits. Your video made it very simple. Thanks! A Another thought, a QR Code included with the written instructions that link to this type of video would have been very helpful.

[@zacharyrodriquez2277]

Thanks for this simple and easy instruction on how to use the free home tests we just received! Those written instructions seem so intimidating and endless! Thanks again!👍

[@lyndavickers6314]

Thank you so much. This was the best instructional.video.

[@HealthyBodyForLife]

My brother goes to Davis! Making us proud!

[@XxQueenChristinaxX]

Thanks. I’ve never taken this type of COVID test before and wasn’t satisfied with the written instructions. Helpful.

[@PokerJunkie83]

Half inch up the nose is way better than the other test where they were literally strumming my brain 😂

[@cnelson40]

Agreed! Hope to never have to do that one again

[@farihamohamedhilmy4700]

Thank you UC Davis for the easy and simple tutorial 😊

[@BOOEYROOWHO]

Thank you. Your visual instructions helped me. I normally comprehend instructions. But I had some doubt on a couple of things. You were clear and you showed each piece you used clearly. Thanks you did a great job.

[@teenafithian3561]

This was so much easier to follow. I only wished I saw it before I did the test. I was not sure I’d I had done the test correctly as I got a Negative result. But got a “C” line. I did not look in the mirror to make sure I put the swab in all the way. And I also have the same symptoms as I did before when I’ve had a positive result.. So I may retest again tomorrow or sooner. Thank you.

[@myesainla]

I need to test for my line of work. I've come back to this quick vid a time or two so that I can test at home just to make sure i'm good to go. lol Thank you for this!

[@Maillady42]

Ty for taking time to make this video! It was very easy to understand & right to the point. Very well done!

[@AfallinAngel]

I opened the instructions and got an instant migraine lol Thank you Negative in MICHIGAN

[@ninapendor5136]

Thank you so much for sharing this video! very much appreciated. God bless! We are doing self test at home. Thanks again.

[@betsyhughley-alford9065]

I read those instructions over and over....and gave up. Then found your step by step video....thanks!!

[@bholmes5490]

As mine came in Spanish I found your tutorial very well done.

[@susanasher6939]

Thank you so much for the great directions. I couldn't understand the video from iHealth. Yours was perfect.

[@dawn1398]

Thank you so much for taking the time to explain how to use this kit. It was very helpful!

[@michaelwalsh9145]

Did you really fall for that farce?

[@-SarahElizabeth-]

Thank you for simple, clear instructions.

[@marytaylor7821]

THANK YOU FOR SHOWING ME HOW TO DO THE TEST

[@JouvaMoufette]

Thank you! This helped when it came to the depth of how far the swab should go. The only thing is that this isn't completely up to date. As you mentioned, some test kits differ. I think the biggest part that should be mentioned is that the fluid in the tube may be in a separate container that needs to be squeezed out into the tube. That was the only difference I noticed for the same brand test kit used in this video

[@timothymccoy7585]

Yeah the video was a very helpful I looked at the instructions made me very confused the video simple and clear.. thanks for the video very helpful...

[@rumble8014]

Covid went on a vacation. How much do people get paid to push such nonsense?

[@WhySoSeriousHmmm]

One critique - when you talk about the line appearing at the "T" for a positive test result, also mention that the "C" line should simultaneously be present - so as not to cause confusion and to be as clear as possible. Because a single line on the entire screen and only under the "T" would probably mean an invalid test.

[@janisdunlow6135]

He did say that

[@scottatwood4340]

thanks. read the instructions but your video made it easy. and not even a faint line on T.

[@samimotaghedi]

Thank you for this video. it helped me a lot. My head was pounding and I couldn't understand the instructions in the box. i couldn't read it because of the pain. Happy i Googled it and found this video

[@user-sl4zx6kv3z]

Thanks Claudio, very clear and competent explanation. Best wishes for your medical future!

[@tthomas9160]

Thank you. I couldn't find the directions.

[@SuperYogagirl]

I am so grateful for these easy to understand instructions. I am in another country and could not read their instructions. Thank you

[@jacquemigurl3024]

Thank You For This Perfectly Instructed Video 📹 Sir! You Are The Best!💯

[@DutoinJersey]

Great video! Thank you so much for posting this!

[@karendunson4049]

Thank you. That was so helpful.

[@BarbieWilkins]

Thank you so much for the guidance! God Bless

[@henryhwu4784]

You did really well, thanks

[@rosejones2932]

Haven't figured it out - I will follow you info and get back to you.

[@VampyTN]

Thank you for explaining the directions easily and succinctly! I appreciate you! ❤

[@boblewis8463]

Thank you!

[@LynMaarouf]

Great job, Thanks for the video. The instructions were tiny faded print. This is so much better.

[@beverlymcnulty2589]

My kit did not contain any directions. Thank you for this instructional.

[@carolynann4626]

This video was very helpful to me. Thank you!

[@muttlee1213]

Thank you so much for this tutorial

[@rubytuesday7225]

Thank you. I couldnt read the instructions...the print was so small. I did it wrong! Didnt know until after I watched this. Will do another test tomorrow, first thing. 👍

[@1browngirl29]

Excellent and concise instructions

[@iviamartinez3780]

Great video. Thanks

[@barbarasanders6968]

This was the best explain Covid 19 home test it wasn’t a bunch of of Jibber jabber. You got right to it holding each piece of test supplies that came in the testing kit Thank you so much

[@madisonnieto5193]

Your so...clean and organized and you speak very 😃👍

[@valerieroling8035]

Thank you. Very helpful!!

[@yahshua3525]

Thanks God bless you

[@nataliyag5098]

Great explanation! Thank you!

[@sandyginn860]

Perfect! Thanx

[@LisaArmstrong14]

Thank you so much it worked

[@blowie_]

Thanks I don’t have Covid thanks for going slowly ❤️

[@lizfrank2686]

Thank you for the helpful video. The directions that came with the test are confusing. Directions say to pay close attention to which test you have. Test 1 and Test 2. I have test 1. Directions for both do not address the fact that the liquid is not in the tube but comes separately. This video was helpful it looks like the liquid is already in the tube.

[@pamhampton2588]

Yes, wasted one test because I was missing this step and when opening the first test the tiny liquid pouch dropped out of sight.

[@trinimom7686]

Thanks a million

[@jeanetteyoung8352]

This direction was soooooo helpful.Thank you

[@jeanetteyoung8352]

wow my daughter is +,

[@UCDavisHealth]

We hope she’s doing ok! Here’s some info that might be helpful - health.ucdavis.edu/coronavirus/covid-19-testing/what-to-do-if-you-test-positive

[@starphale2012]

My husband just spilled the water inside the tube and everything is ruined. So difficult to understand this instructions. Thanks for shading the light!

[@tenderpawsm473]

You set the swab down after collecting the sample? Another brand has a hole in the box which holds the liquid.

[@hellkat200]

Thank you for the help! I’ll update as soon as I have covid

[@Catgat37]

So.....did you die?

[@sunitamumford1888]

Excellent tutorial !

[@kellytaylor6095]

Great video! Thank you

[@daisymerolling7]

I'm pretty sure I don't have the virus but just to be safe I'm taking one. But opening the box and initiating the test daunted me. Thanks for this video! It helped! EDIT: I forgot to update back then, but it was covid. Boo!

[@strayfox55bc37]

Thank you so much, I was poking way too far up my nose lol

[@lindawinik8464]

I could not squeeze the sides of the tube while pulling out the swab from the tube as you said to do. No matter how hard I tried to squeeze the tube,it did not push in at all.

[@e420kill]

Thank you for the tutorial. I did my first today which was nerve racking. I tested negative. Stay safe everyone.

[@belmordok3661]

Saying "stay safe" doesn't have any effect on anyone's health. It's just a phrase

[@elcidcampeador497]

Add cola those test and it'll test positive 😁 Its just a money making machine just like the masking. Can you imagine the profits the mask manufacturers are making? Can you imagine the effect on nature all that garbage has? 🎪🤡🤑

[@markmarkozh]

@@belmordok3661 that means be careful lol

[@rosejones2932]

Finally figured it out - negative tests X 2! Had to put it on half speed to get through all of it. Now just waiting for the Covid booster X 5

[@47shadows76]

You are true patriots for this

[@jerryhatrick5860]

Srill negative lmao. 5 times now. 3 for surgeries and procedures twice at home.

[@SabsSuper]

Can we take the swab with cheek?

[@Enpassantful]

Very good.

[@emmabrown1223]

What do you have two lines one red under the seat and one black under the t

[@JediMasterBaiter]

What do I do with the silica gel?

[@bluemoon9868]

My test kit is different from yours. It always display like T first. So I really confused.

[@juliafrietsch7.]

I opened the prefilled tube and closed it immediately again, 15 minutes before inserting the swab. Can results be incorrect?

[@ceasinghornet40d40]

i wonder how many people disliked the video because they tested positive

[@stevenmyers3647]

What if the T line is darker than the C line? Does it matter?

[@ImNotADeeJay]

does it matter if the T line comes out first?

[@Alyssa-cv1bd]

Are they all the same test bc mine is blue

[@Alyssa-cv1bd]

But what are those beads tho ? Like I have yellow and white beads

[@dean3583]

My is the purple colour halfway between the T and C

[@laurayoung2293]

Im confused... see when doing nose.. i wonder how far the swab should go up? Some says dont have to go deeper some says go deeper angle straight or upward straight up? Which?

[@UCDavisHealth]

He explains this at :40 in the video. Thanks for watching!

[@johnsnows3464]

That line is between the c and the t

[@COSMACELF1802]

My tests (did twice) both came back negative. I have no symptoms. yet someone claims they got covid from me??? is that possible?

[@elcidcampeador497]

Someone needs to get a life! Don't hang out with the nuts.

[@joansutton]

How can I tell if I have test set 1 or test set 2? There are different instructions for each, but I cannot find a label indicating which test I have.

[@kahmad1]

If you look at the packing, there would a couple of diagrams and one will have a check mark or a crossed box for the kit type.

[@joansutton]

@@kahmad1 Actually I discovered the simple answer - one type has the tube already filled; the other type requires one to fill the tube manually.

[@woodstockman6972]

Ok so what does only bottom line showing mean

[@proptosis2682]

tested positive, feel fine.

[@malanstecker]

What are the false positive and negative rates for this test? Is the PCR a better more reliable test?

[@UCDavisHealth]

More info can be found here - health.ucdavis.edu/coronavirus/covid-19-testing/covid-rapid-tests

[@iamelian6614]

What if there was a Line at the T seconds after putting in the drops

[@duffman857]

If there’s a line at the C and T it’s positive. Same thing happened to me when I tested positive. It seemed to get fainter on later tests as days passed. Hope youre feeling ok!

[@starmessenger]

The one thing that is not on this video, nor on the box, is information on when to do the test. Do you take it within hours of getting sick? Do you wait 24 hours? 2 days after symptoms? 3? My symptoms started 20 hours ago, but I have no idea when the best time is to take this test.

[@UCDavisHealth]

Thanks for the question! This video may be able to answer some questions and offer advice for if you test positive: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e5nTeWaPmaikgZI

[@RatedA4Aliens]

The manual says 4 drops not 3

[@suedismukes7848]

Your instructions were very clear. However, we had to get a pair of pliers to get the orange lid off. You might explain that it is difficult to get off for us older folks.

[@meathead585]

there is no liquid in the tube as received. There is a separate package with clear liquid. Am I supposed to put that into the tube. This entire test is just so confusing to me. And tapping the tube onto a surface made no sense at all. why would I put a swab into a tube which has nothing in the tube ? why am I tapping tube on flat surface ? What is a clutching swab ? just where do i put the drops ? where the c and t are or where the horizontal area to it's right ? what if your test is negative..what does it show ?

[@mjowsey]

Yes, there has to be liquid in the tube. I guess that the separate container has the liquid you need.

[@angelinamonreal8170]

What happens if T appears first before C?

[@AfallinAngel]

Its twins!

[@natty.777]

@@AfallinAngel 💀💀💀

[@ElevateWithVerne1110]

@@AfallinAngel 😂😂😂

[@clojap]

I was hoping you would have pushed it back as far as the test requires :) also not sure about putting the swab back in the plastic isn't that going to wipe the specimen off? why not loosen the list first and then take the cap off and put the swab in immediately?

[@waynedick6989]

The reason I am looking at this because I cannot see the instructions.

[@naveedasghar6603]

I thought you’re also to use the swab at the back of your throat first?

[@mjowsey]

That's what they do for CPR testing. I don't know why it's different

[@radiohead68]

Why do my results show up in 30 seconds? Is this ok?

[@heidevoglis9178]

Do you need the app?

[@duffman857]

I had one that required an app to read it, but most don’t. The one he uses in the demo doesn’t require an app.

[@astrogeek99]

It says 15 minutes, but my positive result showed up in about 30 seconds. Is it still valid? Does it mean I have a really bad case of it?

[@ratpotato69]

most likely is a positive but could be a false I'd say take another

[@paul_particularlyunhappynut]

bruhhhh my parents is not gonna be able to do this

[@JoshuaXiong]

1:02 Bad idea

[@m.k.a.n.w.]

That video should be called: "How to affect the mood of humans in 15 minutes or less?"